The Super Preview

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On February 5th, the Atlanta Falcons will be taking on the New England Patriots for the Vince Lombardi Trophy to become Super Bowl champions. This match up has two high powered offenses led by veteran quarterbacks.

Atlanta is entering the Super Bowl with a six game win streak. During this win streak, the Falcons relied on their explosive offense and speed on defense. Atlanta’s defense started slow this season as they have a young core, however, as the season went along they were able to use their speed to create turnovers and chaos for the opposing team’s quarterback. The strength of the Falcons defense is their front seven, as they have the NFL sack leader Vic Beasley. The defense is ultimately led by middle linebacker Deion Jones, who utilizes his speed to secure tackles.

On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Matt Ryan has many weapons. Perhaps his best receiver, Julio Jones, is going to be a huge part of the Falcons game plan. This postseason Jones has been unstoppable as he racked up 15 catches, 247 yards, and 3 touchdowns. In addition, Ryan has two running backs with great vision and hands. Devonta Freeman is a do-it-all running back who is able to run through the tight holes and move the chains with a dump off pass. Tevin Coleman is the speedy running back who is capable of scoring any time the ball is in his hands. Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel are quick receivers who can make a play when needed. The Atlanta Falcons are built on youth and speed and are ready for the Super Bowl.

The New England Patriots are appearing in their ninth Super Bowl. They are led by one of the greatest coach and quarterback duos in NFL history. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have been to seven Super Bowls together and are hoping to win their fifth this Sunday. This Patriot team has a young but experienced defense. Dont’a Hightower led the Patriots to the number one scoring defense, as they have created a hand full of turnovers this post season.

Overall, the Patriots are still led by Tom Brady who has been on a mission this season. Brady did not play the first four games of this season due to a suspension however, he still finished the season with the best touchdown to interception ratio in NFL history (28:2). The Patriots offense has a lot of key role players who do their jobs. The Patriots have a running back by committee with Legarrette Blount, James White, and Dion Lewis. Blount is the hammer as he would run downhill and hit the holes and anyone who tries to tackle him. As for Lewis and White, they are receiving threats out of the backfield who can move the chains. Julian Edelman is Brady’s favorite weapon as they have built a connection over the years. Edelman uses his quickness to create space from defenders. Also, Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett were key acquistions this offseason for the Patriots because they allow Brady to have more weapons to attack the middle of the field. The Patriots have their eyes on their fifth Super Bowl as they are locked in for their battle.

The beginning of the Super Bowl will be a defensive game as the offenses are trying to find their footings. As the Falcons offense finds their rhythm they will take an early lead with Ryan throwing a touchdown pass to his tight end Hooper. The Patriots will answer with Blount as they try to win the time of possession and run the ball between the tackles. The Patriots will score with a Lewis touchdown. In the final minutes of the first half, the Falcons will drive the ball down as Ryan finds Jones for a big completion. This will lead to a field goal giving the Falcons a 10-7 lead going into halftime.

I believe the second half will be a shootout as both offenses will start scoring. The Patriots will take their opening possession in the second half and start manipulating the ball downfield as they start finding the open spaces in the Falcons defense to take the lead 14-10. The Falcons will start using their running backs to create match up problems and gain big chunks of yards. Ryan will take advantage of man-to-man coverage and throw a touchdown to Sanu 17-14. The Patriots will take a smart approach as they give the ball to Blount for another drive as they take it down the field. Brady will finish this drive with a touchdown pass to Martellus Bennett. 21-17. Ultimately, I believe that the Patriots will preserve the win with running the ball and play action passes. Blount will need over 100 yards rushing in this game. As I predict, the Patriots will beat the Falcons in a thriller 35-30.